‘Sounds of construction’ welcome in Elburn

ELBURN – The village’s building commissioner said Monday night it was refreshing to even be discussing plans for construction again, as builders approached the Elburn Village Board to seek reduced impact fees for lots they are purchasing in the Blackberry Creek subdivision.

Building Commissioner Tom Brennan said there have been eight permit requests in Blackberry Creek this year. From 2009 to 2012, there were seven.

Earlier this year, trustees addressed the concern that lower impact fees for the recently approved Elburn Station development could hurt activity at Blackberry Creek, if fees there weren’t reduced.

Building at Elburn Station cannot begin until the Anderson Road bridge project is complete, but there are areas of empty lots at Blackberry Creek. Village President Dave Anderson said that the discussion came about because, if fees were to be reduced for Elburn Station, “what would we do for Blackberry Creek?”

Board members unanimously approved the builders’ request on Monday night.

“I just want to say that it’s nice to see activity out there,” Brennan said, adding that “it’s nice to hear the sounds of construction.”

Trustee Bill Grabarek said “just the fact that we’ve got that much activity and interest” had him “pleased beyond words.”

In other news, trustees approved an ordinance allowing Schmidt’s Towne Tap at 107 N. Main St. in Elburn to open at 8 a.m. Dec. 29. Village Administrator Erin Willrett said the establishment was hoping to have a tailgate event as the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers play at noon that day.

Also, Grabarek brought up a community garden, something he has said he would like to pursue at some point. He said he was only starting to explore the possibilities, but was seeking some indication that fellow board members would like more information. Board members supported that.